While the festive season may be over for most, pantomime season is still in full swing at several UK theatres. Productions in Liverpool, Nottingham, and Mold continue to draw audiences well into January, offering a lift after the Christmas holidays.
At Nottingham Playhouse, Sleeping Beauty runs until this weekend, just before Blue Monday. John Elkington, who has played the dame for almost 30 years, says January audiences see it as “something to look forward to” and an extension of Christmas fun. The theatre performs six shows a week in January, down from 12 before Christmas, but Elkington stresses the importance of maintaining energy.
Liverpool’s Royal Court has extended its panto, The Scouse Christmas Carol, until 24 January due to popular demand. Executive producer Kevin Fearon notes that many January attendees missed out on December tickets. The panto’s dining option remains a draw, and the production funds more than half of the theatre’s annual ticket sales.
At Theatr Clwyd in Mold, the panto also continues. While references to Christmas are often removed for later shows, the spirit of the season endures. For many, the extended panto season provides a welcome antidote to the January gloom.
